Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Oh cleanse. . .you're back. Day 1

Giving the cleanse another go! Last night I worked out for the first time since March. Embarrassing? Yep. Man am I sore today. It was more of an upper body workout so my arms and stomach are killing me. It actually felt really good to be back in the gym. Hopefully the cleanse and the gym will get my butt back in action. The holidays are coming. . . again! Something had to give.

This morning was the first fiber drink and I certainly haven't missed that. I need to go grocery shopping so I am less tempted to eat something that isnt approved. I do have to say that I am looking forward to not being tired all the time! It will take a few days but the whole 24 should go by quickly, just like the rest of this year has. The pictures are what I am drinking today, I am way excited about mixing Fruit Punch & Pink Lemonade. Spark!say


Monday, August 8, 2011

NEW CHALLENGE!

I grill a lot of chicken. A lot. It is  usually my go-to meal of the week, and sometimes I catch myself making it twice a week. So I am committing myself to cook every night this week, and I am going to blog about it with recipes and my thoughts. There are so many fabulous recipes out there and I know my family gets tired of chicken, brown rice and green beans. . . Even if I don't. 

Last night was technically a cooking night, but I cooked at my parents so it kind of counts. I made meatloaf, green beans (see!), mashed potatoes, salad and bread. But I consider that a hearty meal. This week my menu includes vegetables and proteins to go along with my faux cleanse that I have put myself on. With the exception of brown rice and black beans, the meals should all be pretty diet friendly. 

Earth Fare recently opened by our house and they have fantastic coupons, I am using one for a FREE whole natural chicken with a $10 purchase, which shouldn't be too hard. Harris Teeter for all of the other ingredients and I should be able to make all dinners under 50 bucks for the week. Not too bad, we will see how it really turns out.

Here is a menu so far:
Monday: Tex-Mex stuffed peppers Tuesday: Italian Baked Fish Wednesday: Creole Chicken Thursday: Easy Crock Pot Chicken . . .and I still haven't decided on Friday since I work late that night. I max rearrange my meals to have a crock pot dish that night and throw in pork or some other protein in the middle of the week. At this point I am excited. I will keep you posted after the completion of the first meal. As they say in Italy, Mangia!put

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Awesome Sale (& Giveaway!)

I know I haven't posted in a while...have been sorting things out on my end; but I wanted to tell you about an awesome photography sale over at Soulographer. The Workshop Workbook (http://www.theworkshopworkbook.com/) is HALF OFF!!! Seriously from $399 down to $199, plus 4 new posing guides. How that can that be any more rockin' than it already is?! Insanity. I hope you all go over and check it out and enter the contest while you're at it (it ends on Friday!) Good luck!!

Brianna

(for some reason I can't post my picture on here!!)

Friday, April 1, 2011

9 Things to Learn Before You Turn 30

I found this while browsing Etsy shops...she was the featured blogger of the day and a fiddling around on her blog, I found this article. I enjoyed it and decided to share. It was orignially in www.RelevantMagazine.com by Jason Boyett. I hope you enjoy.

 1. Life is SO not about you.

If Day 1 of Rick Warren’s gazillion-selling The Purpose-Driven Life can begin with this statement, then so can this modest list. The best approach to life is one that realizes that you are only the center of your universe, not everyone else’s. Successful adulthood means living a life of generosity, of service and of concern for the people around you. Step outside your own interests. Put others’ needs ahead of your own. Get over yourself. Opening your hands to the world around you is the key to maturity.

2. Credit cards are dangerous

If you’re like most people, you got hooked in college (after all, they were offering a free T-shirt!). Then you graduated with a garbageload of debt. A few years later, you’re still paying it off and gnashing your teeth at the interest rate. You’ve been told time and time again that this is stupid—so I’m not going to yell at you about it—but take the advice you keep hearing and get your credit cards paid off. Stop using them like free money. Until you get to the point where you can pay your bill in full every month, don’t sign that receipt.

 
3. Stuff will never satisfy

Sure, that new stamp-sized phone-slash-microbrowser-slash-meat-thermometer looks really slick, and all the cool kids have one, and Kanye’s kickin’ it with one in his new video, but let’s face it—will it really make your life that much better? If you’re bored, depressed or unsatisfied without all the gear, you’re also gonna be bored, depressed and unsatisfied with it. Things might perk you up for a day or two, but they don’t give you any sort of permanent boost. They don’t bring you joy. Joy comes from community, faith, love, purpose. And those? Come from God.

 
4. Save now while you're young

It looks like Uncle Sam may be getting pretty stingy by the time we’re ready to start pricing Winnebagos and planning for that vacation to Branson. So ... are you saving yet for retirement? If not, get to it. Contribute to your company’s 401(k) plan. Set up a regular or Roth IRA. Start saving, and do it now. The financial decisions you make over the next few years will grow to astronomical proportions a couple of decades from now. If time = money, then procrastination = a lot less money.


5. You should probably read more

And I’m not just saying that because I’m a writer. There’s some fun stuff on TV. Video games are a great escape. Movies can be cool. But when it comes to gaining knowledge, enhancing your vocabulary, improving your concentration and stimulating the brain, there’s nothing better than a book. Yes, an actual book. Not a cereal box or a gaming manual. Browsing the Internet or flicking through magazines doesn’t count either.


6. Pay attention to what you eat

Metabolism slows with age. Abdomens, butts, thighs and other formerly desirable body parts start to expand. Your energy level shrinks. Eventually, you’re gasping for breath when you top the stairs. You can’t just eat anything you want anymore, so start paying attention to what you’re shoveling in. Put down that pizza and pick up some yogurt. Toss a salad. Lay off the bacon cheeseburgers. And for Jared’s sake, stop categorizing Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia as an FDA-approved serving of fruit.


7. Stop comparing yourself to others

It’s not about you, but it’s not about keeping up with the Joneses either. Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s a vicious cycle you don’t want to get caught up in. There will always be people your age who are more successful than you, wealthier than you and better-looking than you. And if Jesus was clear about anything, it was that flawless skin, a sweet ride and a highfalutin title on your business card were keys to the kingdom of God. Wait ... He didn’t say that? Guess I’ve been watching too much Christian TV.


8. Get used to saying "No"

The older you get, the better simplicity looks. Prioritize. Rather spend time with your family than go to yet another church worship band rehearsal? Then scale back on your responsibilities, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about it. Tired of the hours and marathon- length sprint of your job? Don’t hesitate to downshift on your career. You can’t do it all. Choose health, sanity, loved ones and a “life to the full” above anything else—no matter what conventional wisdom says. Quality of life beats stress any day.

 
9. Maintain close relationships

Ask any old person what’s been more important to them through the years. Career? Residence? Bank account? Nope. It’s the people they love, the ones who traveled through life with them. Strong, well- adjusted adults stay connected to a strong, well-adjusted blend of friends and family members. As the thirtysomething hill gets closer, make sure you’ve got someone to climb it with you. You don’t dare do it alone.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Coming Soon...

A REAL website. I'm so excited. I have been working on this for a while now, and its finally coming together. It will have links to my facebook page & my blog plus galleries (publice & private) for session viewing. I can't be more excited. Now all I need is the weather to warm up so I can start filling those galleries.

Don't forget to schedule for Easter Mini Sessions! 30 minute shoot, 1 5x7 and a disc of 5 images for $60 dollars. Exciting stuff!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

De. Feated.

I'm not usually one to talk about how I feel, rarely ever will you hear me share my feelings with anybody. Even my husband. Unless of course I am nagging/complaining....you get the picture.

Lately I have felt, blah. I am completely committed to doing photography and I really love it. I enjoy having something that I have complete control of but sometimes I just sit down on the ground and throw up my hands. I have been looking at other people's photographs and think, 'wow those are ah-mazing!' how can I ever compete with people like THAT! I have done a few sessions that I feel are incomplete. I also had a few (meaning, 5) discs NOT work when the person receving the pictures tried to load them. I just get this sick feeling like I want to hide and not show my face but I know that is all part of the learning process. I know that everybody has trials and you just have to find what works best for you, I get it. I am also impatient. I want it to happen NOW. Clearly it's just not gonna.  I have the worst business mind in the world. I want everybody to be satisfied with the work I do for them, I want them to TELL me if they're not. Ugh, it's so frustrating. (this is getting to be a me,me,me post) Anyhow I want to know how to do websites, and banners and logos and everything fancy but I can't. I can research it, but I don't. I feel that everything I do is half complete. I want to learn to complete EVERYTHING I do, in a timely fashion also. I'm not sure what the hang up is, I have control over my actions and I should quit complaining about it and do it. There. I'm done complaining about it and I will now do it.

just as soon as that girl emails me back.......! ps. there are some friends of mine that don't CARE what people think of their work and I wish I could be like that. I wish them the best and all the success in the world.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A bit early.

This list is probably a bit premature considering I only started doing 'real' (kinda, real) photography for a little over 3 months now but I will proceed. I already have a wish list going in my head and I started researching a few elements of the list. Although other things will take hard work and persistence to cross off, I am willing to work and get better with time.

1. Have a logo, something fun and catchy. I am a total girly girl when it comes to stationary, pens, cards, & fun things so I want my logo to reflect that. I have a few in mind and am putting the finishing touches on them.

2. Design a website, more involved than my trusty blog. I know I can turn this blog into my personal domain but I'm not sure if I can make it a 5 page interactive website. I have researched wordpress.com and other sites but I want to have something with private galleries and an option to purchase prints off of. I know private facebook albums are only good for so long! Plus the quality is CRAP.

3. This one is the one I am working on now...to be a photographer with an event company in Charlotte (or even Columbia). I have seen them around town when I am out on weekend and always thought how much FUN they are having. Especially when there are so many fashion, social and art events going on all the time. I have contacted a company and have a tentative meeting (meaning, we are still in the middle of tag via email) with the owner.

4. Have somebody want my artwork  Printed, mounted and displayed on their walls. Does this sound a bit narcissistic? Oops!

5. Get published! I mean, not today or tomorrow but eventually. I feel I have a wide variety of photos, so if I am persistent and they are good enough it may happen one day.

I can only think of 5 right now...I'm sure more will pop up and of course it will come with time. I hope I'm not jumping the gun on any of these, but photography is so fun! Quit harassing me that I only push a button!! ;) Thank you again for every body's continued support, big or small.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Brother's Photo Shoot... Continued

Halfway through editing Robbie's pictures... these are a few of my favorites so far.

 The referral offer still stands! Let me know if anybody is interested!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Finally....Restaurant Review!!


Intro: I know this restaurant used to be a sister restaurant to the Loco Lime on Central Avenue. I called before we went and they are now under new management. I heard the Central location was subpar, I was hoping this one would be better. I was drawn to the bright colors of the logo and mexican inspired theme.

The Food: There were a ton of choices to fit every taste. Everything on the menu sounded delicous. I decided on the combo and picked the pulled pork taco and grilled steak burrito with rice, no beans. My friends got a tamale, chile rellenos, chimichange and a enchilada. They were out of refried beans, the waiter asked if they mind having black beans. No problems so far! The margaritas were huge and tasted great. Although the glass that was one was in was warm, not chilled like I would have thought. At the end of the meal we decided there were a few things that we weren't fond of. I did not enjoy the taco. It was a soft shelled taco with 'pulled pork' that looks like a cubed porkchop. Definitely not the pulled pork that I had imagined. I also got wind that the tamale was not as good as others around.  One thing I have to note was the salsa. I am a huge fan of mexican restaurant salsa and I was definitely not blown away by this. It was average at best although the chips were served warm.

The Price:  I would say the price was a little higher than other Mexican inspired restaurants around. The combo was $8.50 for 2 choices but if you wanted a chimichange, tamale or enchilada it was an extra $2. Not worth it, in my opinion. The big margaritas were $9 for a huge goblet. My total was $11 with tip, but I ordered water to drink.
The Service: Service was moderate, there was nothing special to note. The waiter was efficient, slow at times but got the job done without us being there for longer than necessary.


Other Items of Note: With this being the first restaurant in my newly formed Girl's Night Out, I don't think I will revisit this place anytime soon. A few notes...the restaurant has huge booths, maybe 6 or 7 can sit comfortably. I wouldn't take a larger party there, it may be a little cramped as you would be sitting in the middle of the restaurant. 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Quick Post

Restaurant Review coming soon, I'm being slack. Here are a few pictures from my brother's Senior Session.

First of all, he wouldn't keep his dang hair out of his face.


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Restaurant Review...coming soon!

I am pretty excited about this. My two friends and I have decided to do a monthly girls dinner, starting tomorrow. There is one stipulation....try new restaurants! Tomorrow night we are going to Loco Lime off of Central Blvd.. I love that area and am kind of sad that I don't venture out more often. Years ago my friends and I would go to the comedy improve--The Perch, absoultely hilarious and made for a pretty fun Friday/Saturday evenings. Those days are long gone...along with the original Penguin, buuut it's never too late to try something new. I can't wait to go, it should be a fun night out. If anybody has any suggestions about other restaurants around..(local, non chain) send them my way. We have 10 other dinners to figure out. 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Referrals!

Spring is coming! Spring is coming! Can't wait to get out there and take pictures without the gloomy feeling of winter. I have a couple wedding sessions going on and some Senior portraits, but I still have some weekends open! If anybody sends me a referral, I will send you (clearly you have to have had me do your pictures!!) a set of printed 4x6 matte pictures of all the photos on the CD, plus an 5x6 or an 8x10 enlargement of the photo of your choice. I'm so excited to be able to take pictures of adorable, and beautiful people & places as the year progresses. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Steelers.

I'm still a fan. See you at St. Vincents in the Summer.


xoxo, Brianna

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Pretty Proud.

I would like to congratulate myself on making my very first blog header!! I am pretty proud of how it turned out after searching,googling, and scouring the internet for days. I never thought I could make it look as decent as all the other cool bloggers out there, but finally I have made something that I am proud of! I can't wait to learn how to make more things. If anybody needs any help with making a custom header, I'd be GLAD to make another, they are so fun.

In the meantime...here are a few photos from a couple shoots I did a few weeks ago. I went to school (high school!) with both of the ladies, and now they have some adorable children. See for yourself...I don't lie!
(the names have been changed to protect the innocent!! i'm kidding, they are darling.)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

My Blog...

is a mess. I'm in the process of learning how to make custom headers and its time consuming. Oy.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Sometimes it pours!

I could not be MORE EXCITED about the upcoming weeks. I really wish this nasty weather would subside and the sun would shine more. Its gloomy and blah without it. I made my sister and her best friend (that's not really her best friend) be my little projects on a photo shoot. We headed down to NoDa but for some reason I wasn't too thrilled with how those turned out as a whole. Lo and behold the good ole train tracker in Huntersville made the perfect setting...there was this random caboose on the tracks that we used. I swear in all the years that I have lived here, I have never seen this caboose. We had fun; people driving by probably thought I was on a suicide mission as I was laying down on my stomach on the train tracks. Believe me, I have left a shoot with mud stains on my jeans! I am not above getting messy! Enjoy some photos below, I can't wait to share more stories after this weekend!






Saturday, January 15, 2011

(Half Of) January 2011

Man, it seems you turn around and half of the month has already passed! I definitely feel like it this month, especially. We just returned from 6 days in Cancun...our Christmas gift from Steve's parents. The resort is amazing, secluded from the 'hotel zone' of the city and set back far enough where you feel you're on a private island. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed the days of relaxation. The one complaint I had, not really a complaint but an omission to my laziness, was the size of the place. Seriously by the time you walk back to your room after breakfast/lunch/dinner, you're hungry again! I can't complain about getting exercise and I'm proud to say I took the stairs all but 2 times to get to our room on the 3rd floor...I could feel the all-you-can-eat buffets creeping up on my waistline.

As far as photography, I had an engagement shoot on New Year's Ever in Denver, NC. The pictures turned out amazing! The couple was so easy-going and a lot of fun to work with. Plus it has been a good 10 years of so since I have gotten to trapse around in woods, frolick in the stream and climb rocks. Ok, I really didn't frolick (that word is NOT in my vocabulary)...just waded through the water in my rain boots taking pictures! I hope there are many more engagement sessions in the future....there are so many possibilites!